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On “Airplane Mode”, which follows the Spacegod EP, Dude Reppin Knowhere boasts that he can’t be found. The clip (which Dude Reppin Knowhere directed himself) takes viewers to places where the everyday intersects with the cosmic.
VENTS recently interviewed Dude Reppin Knowhere all about “Airplane Mode”, and that interview can be read below.
What is the feeling you wish to convey with “Airplane Mode”? How do you hope it impacts listeners?
I wish to convey a feeling of checking out in a healthy respectful way. Like ‘I’m on a break right now, I’ll be back later’ as the listener floats above the clouds. Putting life on pause, breathing deep, zoning, vibing… I hope this project will inspire listeners to remember to take meaningful breaks from the phone life. And to take yourself on an ‘Artist’s Date’ for a few hours, each week, and do something you truly enjoy doing, with no distractions.
How did you formulate ideas for the music video? Did you envision exactly what you wanted from the start or was it a longer brainstorming process?
The idea for the music video came very naturally. Then for each shot I would catch some scenery that fit the aesthetic or was just downright gorgeous and then walked through for some B roll and set up the tripod for some performance shots. The project totally took on a life of its own. It exceeded any possible vision as I got deeper into it.
“Airplane Mode” is so vibrant and complex. What was the editing process alone like for such a layered and detailed video?
Yes it really was quite the experience. I’m not sure how my brain would have scrambled had I been the one editing the multi-colored layers the whole time. I arranged the footage, added transitions, and did the detail work and then handed it off to KYNGATHAMONSTAS for the colored layering treatment. I won’t lie I was editing the video off and on for almost a year. Taking life breaks, coming up with new ideas on how to use the footage, and finally shooting a scene for it in Guatemala to round the project out.
Going back and forth over Zoom in very different time zones (EST to London) with KYNGA was an enjoyable challenge for us both. We stayed in flow state and have deep respect and spaciousness for each other. So a little of a learning experience with a fantastic output.
Why did you choose to film in various locations? Was there one location that was particularly special to you?
I chose various locations because these landscapes just asked to be captured. There was no maximum amount of locations for this project, no due date, no one else directing… All of the different shots just add texture and depth to the finished project. Shooting at ‘Cadillac Ranch’ in Amarillo Texas was a highlight. It was beyond funky and felt like a different reality with sideways cars in the middle of a mud field during a wind storm. My favorite location was White Sands National Park in Alamogordo New Mexico. I couldn’t get enough of it. I shot for 3 hours then had to leave. Normally I would have hiked or meditated for that time.
“You’re in a zombie zone, when you’re on the phone”, is a fascinating take on our relationship with our phones today. Why was it important to include that lyric?
I care deeply for all beings. If I see an in for me to give some tasteful advice I will. When I see people in public walking and sitting with their heads in their phones without looking up to see what’s happening immediately around them, it doesn’t seem right. It’s hindering for the phone user. We are missing the moment. I would recommend balancing time on social media instead of diving deep into it all day. By spending so much of our conscious attention in this world of overstimulation through a 5 inch portal, it skews our attention to bring us closer to existing in Zombie Zone.
Are there any lessons you’ve learned while creating this song and video that you would like to share with your fans?
You can do it yourself. With no budget. Sometimes the project calls for a team, but sometimes we can execute it all by being creative with simple tools. Attain ‘flow state’ then it all just happens!
